Curated OER
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Students observe and record the amount of work done by marbles rolling down a plane and more fully explain the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.
Teach Engineering
Amusement Park Ride: The Ups and Downs in Design
Groups design the ultimate roller coaster by considering potential and kinetic energy. They test their designs using marbles and then go on to rate each group's design based on aesthetics, loop diameter, and cost.
Science 4 Inquiry
Introducing the Types of Energy
Young scientists explore many different types of energy including light, heat, nuclear, sound, potential, and more. They match the types of energy and identify when energy transfers from one type to another.
Curated OER
Potential and Kinetic Energy
In this energy worksheet, students read about potential energy and kinetic energy. Then students complete 16 matching, 8 fill in the blank, and 9 word problems.
Curated OER
Applications of Energy to the Real World
As an introduction to the concept of energy, this interesting and informative resource would be a terrific addition to a unit. Although there is quite a bit of information presented about kinetic energy, potential energy, and related...
Teach Engineering
Energy Skate Park
Skate through a simulation on energy with an a activity that uses a computer simulation of a skater to reinforce the concept of conservation of energy. The resource guides pupils through scenarios using the computer simulation to...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Conservation of Energy
By rolling marbles down a six-foot length of track, physical scientists determine how much energy is lost to heat. It is recommended that you opt for the foam pipe insulation track because more friction slows the marble, allowing...
PHET
Energy Skate Park: Basics
Keep calm and half pipe. An exciting simulation teaches pupils about energy transfer from potential to kinetic and thermal as a skater moves through a half pipe or other track. After a brief introduction, scholars can build their own...
Curated OER
Energy - What Are Potential and Kinetic Energy?
Beginning with a review of seven types of energy, this presentation teaches the concepts of kinetic and potential energy. Using a roller coaster as the object in motion, a brief explanation is offered. The grainy photographs may detract...
Concord Consortium
Chain Reaction Between Hydrogen and Oxygen
Looking for a simple way to teach conservation of energy in chemical reactions? Pupils can observe energy changes as water forms during a chain reaction between oxygen and hydrogen using an interactive. The resource instructs users to...
Indiana Department of Education
Amusement of the Future
Take your class on the ride of their lives! Physical science scholars get an in-depth look at potential and kinetic energies in an amusement park-themed unit. Students research, design, and promote their own amusement parks,...
Curated OER
Forms of Energy
Students complete a series of activities related to forms of energy. For this energy lesson, students look at forms of energy in their school, how energy is conserved and used efficiently, how magnets are used to generate electricity,...
PHET
Masses and Springs
Have you ever stretched out a Slinkie so much it wouldn't go back to its original shape? Slinkies, like all springs, follow Hooke's Law. A simulation uses springs and masses to demonstrate kinetic, potential, and thermal energy. It...
Clarkson University
Understanding Energy (With a Pendulum)
Have you ever wanted to play with a giant pendulum? An experiment allows small groups to do just that. They gather data and make observations as they complete the included worksheet. The lesson lays out each instruction including how...
Concord Consortium
Reaction Between Hydrogen and Oxygen Atoms
Is this resource a great way for your class to observe bonding between oxygen and hydrogen? OH yeah! Scholars learn about the changes in kinetic and potential energy as molecules of oxygen and hydrogen interact. Kinetic, potential, and...
Curated OER
Potential & Kinetic Energy
Students test different sized marbles and how fast they can go. In this energy lesson plan, students test different sized marbles going down an incline. They predict which would have the most potential and kinetic energy. After the test,...
Teach Engineering
Swinging Pendulum
Get into the swing of things. Pupils use a pendulum to demonstrate the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy and back. After measuring the speed of a pendulum and compare it to the calculated theoretical speed, they...
Curated OER
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Sixth graders explore potential and kinetic energy. In this science lesson, 6th graders assume the role of a roller coaster engineer and design a roller coaster. Students use their knowledge of kinetic and potential energy to design a...
Curated OER
Elements of Physics: Energy And Work
Learners examine the difference between potential and kinetic energy. In this energy lesson students view a video and apply these energies to real world situations.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Kinetic and Potential Energy
A well-developed lab sheet guides physical science learners through an investigation of kinetic and potential energy. In small groups, collaborators discover whether or not the ramp height or mass of an object has an effect on the...
Scholastic
Study Jams! Energy & Matter
After Sam knocks a glass off the lunchroom table, he uses it as a springboard for explaining kinetic and potential energy. He mentions that sound is a type of kinetic energy and introduces the different forms of energy: thermal,...
Curated OER
Double Toss
Young scholars experiment with potential and kinetic energy. They design a device that will toss a ball at least 30 centimeters, catch it and to the ball up again.
Kenan Fellows
Engineering Skills Through Problem Based Learning
Navigate the ups and downs of learning about energy. Future engineers consider how potential and kinetic energy apply to roller coasters. They design a roller coaster of their own and then use computer design software to showcase their...
Virginia Department of Education
States and Forms of Energy
Energy is just energy, right? Explain various forms of energy to your young scientists by using an interactive experiment that contains common objects to demonstrate complex concepts. Pupils conduct experiments for radiant, thermal,...